AMPA Receptor Complex

**Semantic type:** Amino Acid, Peptide, or Protein|Receptor

**Definition:** A family of ligand-gated tetrameric ion channel complexes that transport sodium and calcium cations in response to binding of L-glutamate or glutamatergic agonists. The pore is formed by homo- or hetero-tetramers of four potential alpha subunits encoded by the human genes GRIA1-GRIA4. These ion channels play an integral role in neuronal plasticity and synaptic transmission at many postsynaptic membranes.

**Synonyms:** - AMPA RECEPTORS - AMPA Receptor - AMPAR - Alpha-Amino-3-Hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-Isoxazole Propionic Acid Receptor - Alpha-Amino-3-Hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-Isoxazolepropionic Acid Receptor - Alpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-Methylisoxazole-4-Propionic Acid Receptor - GLuR1-4 - GLuRs - Quisqualate Receptor